I suspect it a 'her indoors' issue for most, but they daren't say. Maybe schedule for match free weeks where possible, though I know many of our ex players work for other clubs. If I was local, I'd go to the lot. On the bus n'all. I am surprised at the poor turn out for last night though. If there was ever one player who would cut to the chase and tell it how it is, it's Hoyland's own Nicky Eaden. A lot of work goes into these events though and I would encourage people to go along, otherwise we might lose them. Any vids of last night Paul?
To be fair, the caveat of "free" is that we expect people will sign up to the Trust and this is free, and I would fill the form in for you if you didn't want to! But, if anyone had a particular objection to joining the trust as a free or paid member we would not have turned you away. In fact it may have encouraged someone to join as these events show some of the work we put in that isn't often realised. But there's no obligation and we wouldn't call anyone names for not joining
No probs! I think a lot of people may hold similar views. I can't comment as I wasn't around at the time, I lived in London, and had no idea what went on in those days.
I'm a member of the trust - I paid the tenner, got my card and everything. If I'm honest, I'm not particularly arsed about the guest speaker stuff, it's nice once in a while but I'm interested in what the Trust is doing. What are it's aims? What work is it doing? Why should people join? That's the important stuff and I'm afraid all I hear from it is when Gally posts on here. Also, I find holding it at the club a little restrictive. Can speakers say what they want while in the Exec Suite? Can members truly question things if BFC staff are knocking about? I think it's quality the club offer you the space but I think maybe holding something somewhere a little more informal might attract a few more.
I would endorse everything you've said. Best event of it's type I have ever attended. Nicky alluded to the bigger issue that there is not enough 'Barnsley' about the club these days ie people who really have the club at heart, not just those who say they have. I was amazed that Nicky has rarely been back to the club in any social capacity, especially when you consider he was arguably the best right back to have played for the club in the last 50 years and an integral part of the only BFC team to play in the top flight. I have been to a number of events at Burnley, with a friend who supports the club. On each occasion, the place has been packed out with fans and also players from every decade since they won the Championship in 59/60. The reverence in which they are held by the fans is actually quite moving. The difference seems to be that the club enthusiastically embraces these events and seems to have created a culture where the history and heritage of the club is at it's heart. It seems they take every opportunity to further that eg book launches, anniversaries etc. A culture can't be created overnight, but the club needs to start to promote events in a much more impacting way through advertising and PR etc and making sure it does not appear to be cashing in, as has been the case in the past. I'm not pretending any of this is easy but we have to start somewhere otherwise the spectacle of a true Barnsley legend addressed an audience of 30 will be repeated over and over again. I know there are bigger fish to fry at the moment but a start towards a different future could be made.
I just think i've heard enough from the premiership players. They are our best ever team and are more than entitled to talk about their time with us. But over the years with all these evenings, matchday programme pieces, local press etc I don't know what more they can say that we don't already know apart from going over old stories time and time again. For example Neil Redfearn. He's released a book so anything he's got to say about his time at our club would be in there anyway. Maybe some players from other eras. Guys from the Gudjon days to learn about our dark times?
Too much else on in the evenings. Having said that, I would have been more inclined to come if it hadn't been on the night after a game..... and if you'd have put a taxi on for me.
Have to say it was shame so few people were able to make it last night - I thought he was really interesting! Its clear he still has the club at heart and he made some fantastic points about all mannner of football related questions and he's clearly passionate about coaching and furthering his footballing education. His opinions on coaches/managers who bang on about "their philosophy" was funny and how many times did he mention Eric Winstanley? Sounds like he uses what Eric taught him day to day in his work with Leicester U21s as well as saying the two years he played next to Danny were instrumental in his development. He made a great point when he said someone like Eric Winstanely should have been appointed director of football years ago at Barnsley and then we wouldn't have signed some of the ***** we have done.
I'd love to mate, said to Owen that happily use the fanzine to promote whatever you lads are doing but still I think you need to be clearer about your aims.
In some ways my experiences are a little like Jay's in those dark old days and you get that ice been pillocked once I don't fancy it again mentality which probably isn't helpful. The Eaden thing I don't think it was clear that it was free for all if it had been I would probably gave come though justifying two evenings out in a week is always tricky. Is the Dave Watson thing on the same basis? If so I will endeavour to stop sulking about the past and get a pass out.
I enjoy them. I'm far more interested in what Dave Watson has to say in a few weeks time, rather than I would be listening to Andy Marriott or Sasa Ilic. Nostalgia is far more enjoyable when you're reminiscing over good times. Perhaps it's just me. From a personal view, as an analogy, I'm quite happy to think back and talk about things like my wedding day, Laura going to university, or the birth of my son. Less so, the death of my parents, or the sight of my dying daughter covered in tubes & on a life support machine.
I've said it to Jay before. It's a different organisation essentially now. I dont think any of the people that run the trust back then are still involved. We do need more people to get involved though! Oh yes the Dave Watson thing is on the same basis.